A blast of Arctic air called a “polar vortex” has hit the US and has brought the coldest temperatures in two decades to the centre of the country.

The cold air is now moving towards the east coast, where temperatures are expected to fall on Tuesday – as far south as Texas and Florida. The National Weather Service warned of “dangerously cold wind chills” across the eastern seaboard.

New York’s governor declared a state of emergency, announcing that parts of the New York State Thruway in Western New York would be closed due to extreme winter weather conditions there. Eastern Canada will also be affected.

Temperatures were colder than usual by between 20 and 40F (11 to 22C) across Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska on Monday.

The coldest part of the country was Babbitt, Minnesota, where temperatures of -38.3C were recorded.

In Chicago, where flights were cancelled as fuel supplies froze, the temperature dropped to -27C. In state capital Indianapolis a travel warning made it illegal to use roads except for emergency services.

Due to the severe winter storms, the majority of staff have been advised to work from to avoid the dangers associated with the chilling temperatures.

There will be unavoidable delays with both Sea & Air freight services from these areas.

We will endeavor to keep you updated on shipments that may be effected.